We're Not Just a Chamber of Commerce;
We're a Chamber of Connections
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Meet URCC Board Member
Jason Hawkes
Regional Vice President, Primerica Financial Services Jason Hawkes is a recent addition to the URCC board who has quickly proven that he is an active member who wants to be part of the chamber's many activities.
Jason says that throughout his life, he has had experiences that led to a career in Financial Services and Investments. During his senior year, his math teacher had the class track the return of a stock to calculate its return. Also, an investment advisor would speak to him weekly about the power of compound interest when Jason worked at the front desk of his local gym.
When he joined the Marine Corps, the soldiers took classes to earn their promotions and the first class he took was Personal Financial Management. By the time he was 24, he had worked at jobs with retirement benefits and insurance plans, but he had never had an expert sit with him to explain how everything worked. He asked one of his close friends if he knew anyone who would be willing to help him as he was just getting started.
He met with a Primerica representative who explained to him ways to become debt free, to save and invest, and reduce insurance costs. He realized that most of the people who were close to him did not know this information and they needed to be informed.
He was never happy with just working to pay the bills. He was looking for a career that would give him purpose. He started the licensing process in 2005 and after 16 years of working with Primerica, he is more certain than ever before that most people are overwhelmed with their finances. They have not been educated about what they own and they need someone to give them a road map. Someone who will care about their families and will continue to serve them through life’s changes. That is what Jason brings to his clients.
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We Had a Wonderful Holiday Party
So wonderful that everyone was having a great time and no one thought to take pictures. Thank you to everyone who joined us and thank you, thank you to our members who donated items to make our holiday party one for the books. And so sorry if you missed it. We had a lot of fun. We hope to see you next year.
Thank You to Our Members Who Sponsored Our Holiday Party
Scott Abrahamson, The Music Wagon
Alan Benjamin, Bluestone Bank
North Grounsell, Plainridge Park Casino
Jason Hawkes, Primerica
Kate Hyde, Marriott International
Peter Kalemkeridis, Stone Ridge Grille and Bar
Michael Kochekian, Zahara Cannabis
John Morin, Morin’s Hometown Bar and Grille
Rebecca Marshall-Howarth, The The Last WordWord
Zach Patten, Oak Grove Insurance
Josh Vanada, Leadership and Growth Coach
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Host an Alive After Five Networking Event
in 2024
Interested in getting your name out there or generating more business connections? Consider hosting an Alive After Five with the Chamber in 2024! We'd love to help you
network with local business professionals at your place of business.
Hosting an Alive After Five event gives you the opportunity to open your doors to fellow Chamber members and showcase your business and services. You supply the light refreshments, and we'll invite the guests.
Contact URCC President Jack Lank at jack@unitedregionalchamber.org to schedule an event.
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It's a Wrap
Another Successful Christmas Is for Kids Season
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Pictured here: Kelly Fox of URCC Member Portia Planning and Wealth Management, State Senator Paul Feeney, State Representative Jim Hawkins, and URCC president Jack Lank.
Our own Jack Lank and Board Secretary Rebecca Marshall-Howarth of URCC member The Last Word spent the past few weeks volunteering at Christmas Is for Kids, which was headquartered in the Emerald Square Mall this year. Kelly Fox of URCC member Portia Planning and Wealth Management and Sarah Achin of URCC member Achin's Garage led the team that is giving more than 1,000 local children Christmas this year. Last week, State Representative Jim Hawkins, State Senator Paul Feeney, and Feeney's District Director William Titus toured the facility and each of them sponsored a child. Thank you, gentlemen!
If you have ever heard the expression "well-oiled machine" this is exactly what Kelly and Sarah lead. The dedicated workers are called elves and they know exactly what to do. Kelly said, "my Christmas Is for Kids family is the best group of people I could wish for!"
And Jack and Rebecca are fortunate to be part of this fabulous effort.
Thank you, Kelly, Sarah, and all of the elves. You make Christmas wishes come true for so many local children.
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Jack Interviewed Tracy Silva Barbosa about
the TDI Partnership in Attleboro
| Last Wednesday, Jak Lank interviewed TDI Fellow Tracy Silva Barbosa. Tracy explained that TDI stands for Transformative District Initiative. She said her job is to work with businesses in Attleboro to get to know the community and to foster collaboration between the businesses there. | |
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Check Out Our Job Board
Our Job Board, an exclusive benefit for our member companies, is a valuable tool for hiring managers looking to attract and find new talent. Recently, we posted jobs available at URCC member Manet Community Health.
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Send your job postings to us and we'll add the information to our Job Board.
And for the past couple of months, we have been offering a new service. Each week, we'll post new job listings on our Facebook page.
Your posting will be seen by many potential job candidates.
Send your job postings to jack@unitedregionalchamber.org.
We're looking forward to helping you fill your open positions.
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Freebie Fridays in December | |
Plainridge Park Casino's racing side is firing up its Friday simulcast venue by making all “in-house” black and white simulcast programs FREE to the public!
Racing patrons can take advantage of the FREE simulcast programs every Friday during the month of December.
Freebie Friday Remaining Dates
Friday, December 22
Friday, December 29
In addition to FREE simulcast programs, racing patrons will also be able to enjoy a delicious food menu with the re-opening of the Trackside Food Kiosk.
Trackside Food Kiosk Hours of Operation
Friday and Saturday / 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday / 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
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The New Sportsbook, The Loft, the Revolution Lounge, Entertainment, and, of Course, Slots and Table Games
Wow!
If you're looking for excitement and winning at a New England casino, URCC Chairman's Circle member Plainridge Park Casino, the hometown casino, is for you. You can play at over 1,200 slots or electronic table games, enjoy live local entertainment, choose from seven outstanding dining outlets, or hold your meeting or reception at one of their event venues. And they simulcast horse races around the country. You'll find an exciting experience and hometown hospitality every time you visit.
Plainridge Park Casino is proud of its PENN Heroes program and is excited to keep growing. The PENN Heroes rewards program gives our nation’s active-duty military, veterans and first responders access to special discounts, promotions, and events. It’s PENN National's way to offer thanks for their commitment to our country and communities.
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Check out all the dining options here.
You can make reservations on the Plainridge Park Casino home page.
The sportsbook you've been craving is here - and it's about to change the game day scene forever. At Plainridge Park Casino's new Sportsbook Bar and Restaurant, every play is intensified by pure adrenaline. With a massive 49-foot video wall delivering action in crystal clarity, you'll feel like you're on the field surrounded by giants. Their jumbotron is unmatched. It is the largest indoor restaurant display in all New England!
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The Loft features a wide variety of entertainment from stand-up comedians and comic hypnotists to live swing bands and musicians. Looking for an intimate night out? Come to The Loft and see what everyone is talking about.
Friday and Saturday nights from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, the Revolution Lounge features the area's best live bands and DJs. Whether you want to dance the night away or relax and hang out with friends, the Revolution Lounge is a great place to unwind after a long week. Best of all, all shows at the Revolution Lounge are completely FREE with no cover charge. No ticket or reservation required!
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Here's the lineup for the Revolution Lounge for the rest of the year.
- Friday, December 22: Petty Larceny
- Saturday, December 23: Northeast Groove
- Friday, December 29: Swipe Right
- Saturday, December 30: Cover Story Band
- Sunday, December 31: Silver Arrow Band
The Revolution Lounge's hours are 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 a.m. daily
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URCC Corporate Partner
An Unlikely Story
Visit their home page for upcoming events.
An Unlikely Story
111 South Street
Plainville
(508) 699-0244
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Shop and Sip Night
December 21
The staff at An Unlikely Story is so excited to announce that they will be hosting a Shop and Sip night on December 21. The store will be open until 9:30 p.m. to assure that everyone has time to get their holiday shopping done. They will have beer, wine, and soft drinks available for purchase in their Holiday Market starting at 6:00 p.m., and their cafe will be open for hot beverages and snacks to enjoy while you shop!
Reservations are not required. Just come in to shop and sip to your heart's content!
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Sign up for their weekly enewsletter on their home page.
Check out their Staff Picks section and take advantage of the expertise of their amazing booksellers.
Be sure to visit the Unlikely Café for a hot chocolate or delicious hot soup!
Café: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily
Kitchen: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. daily
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Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
Meetings Conducted via Phone and Conference Call
Call 508-673-9783 for a virtual appointment
The MSBDC is committed to helping your business succeed in Massachusetts. They provide free, confidential, one-to-one business assistance, and free or low-cost educational training programs to prospective and existing small businesses throughout the Commonwealth. The MSBDC fosters the start, growth, and sustainability of small business by providing high-quality, in-depth advising, training, and capital access.
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JOIN US
URCC MONTHLY MEETINGS
Our Extreme Networking group, hosted by Marcie Rappa of URCC member Marcie Rappa Home and Associates, meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at member Springhill Suites/Townplace Suites in Wrentham. This exclusive group focuses on providing referrals so only one person from each profession is invited to attend.
Executive Express-O, hosted by URCC Chairman of the Board Josh Vanada, meets in our office the first Wednesday of every month.
Small Business Advising with the Small Business Administration is available remotely.
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Help Us Thank Our Chairman's Circle Member | |
Help Us Thank Our Corporate Partners | | | | |
